Team size: Seven

What are the projects that you are most proud of working on over the past 12 months?

The work of an in-house lawyer is, to a large extent, teamwork with the business, finance, IT, etc. teams. During the past 12 months, we have issued two €500m green bonds under our Green Finance Framework, completed several main grid-related procurement processes, finalised our first Sustainability Report under the CSRD and carried further three major litigation processes. In addition, we have been a true partner to our asset management and experts regarding the repair of EstLink2 electricity transmission cable between Finland and Estonia.

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

First, it is important that the lawyers work as a team with the other members of the organisation. We play in the same team and share the same target. It is also important that the lawyers know and understand the company’s business and are committed to achieving the company’s targets. A legal team’s function is to support.

Sometimes compliance and governance are seen as issues complicating and delaying projects and everyday work life, but meeting people face to face (if possible) and explaining reasons for the rules tend to decrease such feelings in the organisation.

Who is someone that has had a great impact on your career success?

I have been lucky to have had several great mentors, but the person who had the greatest impact on my career is my former boss and CEO of Fingrid Oyj, Jukka Ruusunen. In addition to being a talented teacher of the complicated world of energy, Jukka has encouraged me to take on further areas of responsibility and continue to educate myself. Jukka has also supported my development as a leader and been my coach during my leadership path. I am truly thankful to him.

What do you derive the most satisfaction from in your work?

When the team I work with achieves the set goal. The “we did it” feeling. It brings more joy to celebrate the achievements with others rather than alone. But also, the start of something new, a project or development of new processes, is always exciting.

I also like coaching and enjoy noticing that I have been able to encourage a person to take on new roles and challenges in his/her career path.